Maidstone Ladies 1s VS Brighton & Hove 1s

On Saturday the ladies 1s faced Brighton & Hove 1s on home turf. Due to some absences, Maidstone started with a few players out of position, consequently their structure and movement was off from the get go.

Brighton had some young and nippy legs, the Maidstone side often found it hard to get back and slow down counter attacks, resulting in the Brighton players left free to roam in the final quarter and the girls very exposed at the back. During the first 10 minutes the Maidstone attack continued to get broken down in the midfield and come back with pace. Within the first 15 minutes Maidstone were 2-0 down with goals being scored via tap ins on the posts.

Never the less, Maidstone occasionally had some breakaways, one moment resulted in Charlotte Nudd preforming a double flip over the Brighton goalie; thus the Ladies 1s were rewarded a questionable flick, however no complaints there from the home team. Once again, the savour, Miss Worsfold stepped up and took the much needed flick. The ball firmly hit the backboard and the score laid 2-1 to Brighton.

For a hot minute the girls had a much needed boost, now looking hungry for a goal, all the Maidstone side were placed in Brighton half. Unfortunately, they over committed and Brighton once again paced it to the Maidstone goal which lead to another converted goal. In the remainder of the first half, more goals were placed behind the Maidstone first XI. The Ladies 1s went into the second half 5-1 down.

With the mind set of “we have nothing to lose” and embracing the public embarrassment, Maidstone seemingly threw themselves into tackles and manoeuvred themselves more in the forward line. Brighton remained standing strong and they did not let Maidstone break the score line, however, Maidstone looked more productive then before and they did not concede any goals in the second half. It was a long 70 minutes for the girls, nevertheless, onwards and upwards. 5-1 win to Brighton, yet, we could say it was 0-0 and not talk about the first half.

Next game Maidstone play away at Burnt Ash, who were promoted into the competitive league this year. They just sit on top of Maidstone at bottom of the table. If the Ladies 1s want to avoid relegation, they will need to put in a good shift this coming Saturday.